Monday, January 18, 2010

1984 - Prince Namor the Sub-Mariner

Prince Namor the Sub-Mariner

4 issue miniseries

September 1984 - December 1984

Writer: J.M. DeMatteis/Bob Budiansky

Penciller: Bob Budiansky

Inker: Danny Bulanadi

Sovereign No More!

This miniseries was a mediocre effort that resulted in one thing: freeing Namor of his Atlantean responsibilities. In the aftermath, Namor rejoined the Marvel Universe without the baggage of Atlantis. Roger Stern had Namor join the Avengers. In 1990, John Byrne revamped Namor with a fresh 90s feel and succeeded in breathing new life into this golden age hero.

But back to the miniseries. An irresponsible and bored Namor learns an important lesson in responsibility. However, before he's able to act to undo his wrongs, his decisions are taken out of his hands and he's forced to abdicate the throne of Atlantis.

The plot seems a bit contrived in that each time Namor made an attempt to deal with a problem he'd be sidetracked by a subplot. Namor was never really given a chance to make his own decision and from a character perspective that really weakened the story.

Budiansky's panel layouts are awkward and the art itself is visually dull, but there are a few glimpses of good solid artwork. The panels are too cramped and are distracting with awkward point of views.

1 comment:

I didn't start going to comic shops to get my weekly fix of comics until very late in 1984 (had to talk the parents into taking me back then). So, up until that point I bought my comics from the "newstands" within walking or biking distance of our house. Anyway, newstands didn't carry as many issues of each title (or every title) so somehow I missed the first couple of issues of this mini as they were released.

As a result, I passed on the remaining issues. I always regretted it, because I like the character and just didn't see the back issues anywhere to purchase. I did finally find the back issues at a convention or shop somewhere only like eight years ago. Man, what a disappointment. The problems you highlight in your review above are spot on.

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